Common situation
When you are signed off sick
Being signed off sick changes which benefits apply. You may move from job-search-conditioned support to health-related elements. The route depends on whether you have recent National Insurance contributions and whether you live with a partner.
Key concerns
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from an employer
- New-Style Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit health element
- Work Capability Assessment (WCA)
If your situation matches this, an indicative benefit check usually takes about five minutes.
Real-world examples
Illustrative situations to help you recognise patterns close to yours.
Related guides
Health
Benefits while signed off sick
Statutory Sick Pay, Universal Credit and New Style ESA — what UK employees and workers may be able to claim while signed off sick.
Health
Benefits if you cannot work due to illness
Universal Credit, New Style ESA and PIP for people in the UK who can't work due to long-term illness or disability — what may be available and how it fits together.
From the redundancy hub
If you're signed off sick during or after redundancy
Statutory Sick Pay, New Style ESA, and the Universal Credit limited capability for work element explained.
Mental health support after redundancy
Free emotional and mental health support for people in the UK going through job loss — and what benefits may apply.
Practical next steps
Calm, ordered actions you can take now. Pick the one that fits where you are today.
Official resources
Health-related claims often need fit notes and a Work Capability Assessment. A welfare rights adviser can help prepare you.